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Original poster

Science ISA

11 replies

RufusTheReindeer · 12/03/2015 12:44

I've posted about ds1 and science before but I've got another one...

Ds1 is struggling with his science ISA, he got a C in his ISA (A in his mocks)

Those children that haven't got an acceptable grade are able to retake next week

He just doesn't know where he is going wrong and the teacher is only able to help him so far

I've googled and found some websites which he can look at but I wondered if anyone on here could advise as well

Don't really know what I'm looking for to be honest, it would just be such a shame for him to have his grade dragged down by the practical...as far as I know he hasn't set fire to anything or caused an explosion so that must count for something!!or maybe he was supposed to cause an explosion Hmm

OP posts:
HereIAm20 · 12/03/2015 12:58

I don't understand why the teacher is only able to help him so far. The teacher should be able to tell him where he is going wrong if he is. I am not sure what an ISA is though?

Original poster
RufusTheReindeer · 12/03/2015 13:08

Thanks here

I think the ISA is the practical paper, the teacher has explained that they are shown expired papers and taught how to answer them in general terms but because it's a proper in existence GCSE paper she can't give him any feedback on where he went wrong

If that makes sense Hmm it made sense when I was reading it at any rate

OP posts:
Fourarmsv2 · 12/03/2015 17:45

Which exam board?

Which subject is the next ISA in?

Can try and help if AQA Bio :)

RockCrushesLizard · 12/03/2015 18:18

ISAs are murder to teach - very few of the marks are for the practical work, most of them come from the paper they get about the practical.
The problem is that the questions are all about thinking round the subject, or applying general principles to new situations. This is obviously something that needs to be taught over months/years.

Many kids with a good memory can get A/B in exams, but find the application questions impossible. Unless all of their teachers have been in the habit of analysing test papers on a question by question level, it is easy to overlook the missing skills (the child is getting As after all) until ISA time, when it's too late.

So that's often why the gap. At this stage the key is to make sure the pupil understands what the questions are asking, and isn't trying to 'recall' answers. And ensuring they draw a perfect graph/get the mathematics perfect, because those a memorisable skills.

HTH

Labradiddly · 12/03/2015 19:27

If it's an AQA ISA, Google the exemplar material that the exam board put on their website. There's an example of a 'pretend paper ' that scored 30/50 and one that scored 40/50. Each paper has a mark awarded and an explanation e.g this answer got 2 out of 3 marks, but to get 3 out of 3 you need to put... You also need to look at the glossary of terms, so that you really understand what is meant by terms like independent variable etc.

Original poster
RufusTheReindeer · 12/03/2015 19:51

Thank you all, I will have a chat with ds1

I may have more questions Smile

OP posts:
whathaveiforgottentoday · 13/03/2015 18:36

Is it AQA board and do you know which ISA he is doing? If yes, then please contact me and I may be able to help go over some key terms he needs to know. When you say they are doing it again - is it just a small group being taken out or are they doing it in their normal lessons?

If its a retake they often do quite well second time around as the questions are quite repetitive so he may do well 2nd time.

Its difficult to prepare in advance as it is skill based so its not possible to revise for but most teachers will go over key terms they need to know so I suggest he listens carefully when they are doing the preparation as most teachers drop whopping great hints and you can tell those that were listening and those who weren't.

Original poster
RufusTheReindeer · 13/03/2015 19:03

Thank you what

I think it's a small group, it's voluntary so should be full of children that actually want to do better (look at me being all optimistic!!)

He is off to tutor tonight so I may well contact you over the weekend if that's ok

OP posts:
Original poster
RufusTheReindeer · 13/03/2015 19:04

Thank you all for your help

I think his confidence is a bit shot at the moment so all your comments are gratefully received

OP posts:
kscience · 15/03/2015 11:07

The teacher is correct there is not feedback that can be given as that would be cheating.
When preparing for an ISA I have a sequence of lessons which concentrate on the key terms (these have VERY specific definitions that the exam board are looking for) and data handling and graph interpretaion skills.

Go to the exam board website: There will be a glossary of terms. These need to be memorised and understood. The teacher can help with the understanding part.
Also look at past papers, with the mark scheme which will show the answers. the phrasing and relationship to the key terms will quickly become apparent.
Also look at the examiners report. These flag up common errors that pupils make.
Also go to the TES website. (you will need to create a log in but this is free). If you then go to the resources page and enter the seacrh term ISA. There are free teacher made resources to prepare pupils for the ISA part of the syllabus.

Good luck

kscience · 15/03/2015 11:26

Also just remembered the Youtube Videos I set my students for homework

Key terms from Jumeirah College: www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUshfgaCdooEfrw9KS33ZA

ISA Skills Lessons:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7O6CcKg0HaFLESPNXVhGmMKP1hD-euUa

Hope these help

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